Chapter 16
Thoughts of independence in the Villas del Norte
The town crier began reading from several flyers just brought in by a courier.
“Today, we get word that the town of Guanajuato finds itself amid strife caused by mobs of peasant insurgents whose only motive is to disrupt and destroy everything in their path.”
“Should we prepare for trouble here?” asked one concerned citizen. “Don’t interrupt him”, said another, “He’s not finished reading. From the sounds of it, all of it is bad news.”
The Rancho La Paz foreman had just come into town for supplies and stopped just long enough to listen to the news announcements. “Whose side are you on, Gutiérrez, on the side of the gachupines or the indios barbaros seeking justice?” one of the onlookers asked.
Hearing the word “Indios” made the foreman uneasy, but the emphasis on “barbaros” made him cringe for a second. He wondered when whites were going to realize that indigenous people were just as human. Regardless, he quickly responded with a friendly nod. His mannerism signaled that he had nothing to say. He walked on.
If only he could share with the gathering that what they were hearing was old news. However, he knew that he mustn’t. If he let on that he already knew about the rebellion, the authorities would suspect him as a rebel. As he proceeded, he was well aware that José Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara was on his way to Chihuahua to offer his help toward the revolution.
Before departing for Chihuahua, Don José Bernardo had charged Rayo with important duties. He was in town to carry them out. In fact, he looked over his shoulder to see if he was being followed. For one thing, he was rarely in town, and he didn’t want to attract any undue suspicion.
Rayo Gutiérrez was now a man in his fifties. Baptized and formally adopted by Don Chema, his Christian name was Rafael, but everyone still called him Rayo, the name given to him the day he was born. Although an “indio”, his children were mestizo and thus blood-related members of the large Gutiérrez family pioneer clan.
Shortly after arriving in Revilla so many years ago, he had met the strong-minded Miranda. After a short courtship, they had married. Sadly, Modesta had not survived to see the marriage of her only daughter, having died during an epidemic, one of many that regularly swept the town and surrounding villages. The plague had also claimed the lives of Don Chema and many others throughout the region.
Rayo’s brother Porfirio was living in Laredo and managed a large rancho belonging to Gutiérrez kin. Additionally, their mother and her surviving sons also now lived in Laredo. In fact, almost the entire extended family clan had moved from the mines, seeking a better life in Nuevo Santander and further north in Texas. They were now vaqueros and ranch workers, just as Don Chema had once described to them.
Raulito, on the other hand, had returned home to take over his father’s large business operations. Through a relentless search for the truth, his father had managed to find those responsible for the payroll convoy robberies. Gang members had been arrested and penalized. Even the families of those killed during the robbery agreed that the real criminals had now been punished. His innocence established, Raulito was happy to finally come home.
oOo
Rayo was near his destination; an old abandoned corral in the edge of town. With some apprehension, he approached the group of men assembled under a large Encino tree. A smile came to his face when he counted at least ten men. He quickly glanced at the piece of paper he had just taken out of his pocket. It was a list of citizens who had previously shown interest in helping the revolution. He then tore the note in little pieces and a gust of wind quickly blew them away.
As he got closer, he recognized most of them; Cuellar, Gutiérrez, Herrera, Paredes, Peña, Treviño, Villarreal, Uribe, and several others. Rayo was a pragmatic man. Just because they agreed to meet in secret didn’t exactly mean they were committed. He knew only too well the pressures of living under the watchful eye of the colonial government. Thus, some of them had reservations, especially if they were connected through marriage or employment to the Spanish colonial government.
Periodically, announcements were made to remind residents that talk of revolution was not tolerated. Assemblies such as this one were prohibited. So, Rayo knew that the men he came to meet were risking their lives by being here. He appreciated their presence and he told them so. Still, uncertainty stroked by a steady dose of nervousness enveloped the group. These men had never done anything like this before. On edge, yes, but frightened they were not.
Rayo began the meeting by summarizing José Bernardo’s mission to Chihuahua in search of Padre Miguel Hidalgo, the leader of the movement. It was José Bernardo’s plan, he told them, to reassure the padre that the rebellion was gaining strength in Nuevo Santander and Texas. Then, he intended to return to Revilla and organize local resistance to the colonial government. That was especially true if the revolution came to the region.
Rayo was especially proud that his Native American brethren throughout the territory had likewise agreed to help in the revolt. Of all the goals of the revolution, Rayo supported the end of slavery the most. Occupying the lowest social ranks in society, freedom and equality for Indios, mulatos, and blacks was the only purpose for their participation. Life had to improve for his people and he was committed to do whatever he could to make it so. It was a matter of now or never.
To be sure, there were dozens of similar clandestine meetings happening simultaneously. Rayo only hoped that the goals of the revolution would be reached without much bloodshed. He was encouraged by the fact that many creoles supported the insurrection and would declare their support for the rebels once the proclamiento was given by Father Hidalgo.
To be sure, independence fervor was growing rapidly. Reaction was typical in communities throughout the region. One of the first attempts for Texas liberty was initiated in 1811 in San Antonio by Captain Juan Bautista de las Casas. Sadly for Captain de las Casas, his compatriots betrayed him. He was arrested and executed by the Spanish Army.
Rayo reminded the collaborators that from now on, it would be dangerous for anyone who showed any sign of support for the rebels. He ended the meeting quickly and again asked them to renew their promise by staying. Those who wanted to withdraw could do so without prejudice. He was relieved to see that the entire group remained, adding support to the cause.
Rayo truly believed that they were on a just journey. Quite pleased, but humbled as to their bravery, he warned them once more. “By staying, you are part of the whole. For your safety and the safety of your family, remember our oath of silence. Do not discuss any part of our plans with anyone else but your friends you see around you. No exceptions.”
He offered that they should be ready to ride with José Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara in a moment’s notice. As quickly as they had assembled, they dispersed.
Soon after the meeting with the volunteers and stirred by his emotions, Rayo now realized that not only was he responsible for his own life, but the lives of so many other patriots and their families. He was well aware of the fact that should they have to fight the enemy in distant battlefields, some may never return. The somber nature of their goal was great, but the thought of independence somehow made the revolution worthwhile.
The Forgotten Fourteen
Fourteen Revilla Valientes rode out in 1811 in search of freedom.
First to fight for Texas, against the mighty Spanish kingdom.
Pledging their very life; these courageous men, loyal and brave;
Eternally entombed in a long vanished, far-away unknown grave.
Their spirits soar high in heaven, amidst other warriors in history.
Rare valor; so vital to Don Bernardo’s Texas Independence victory.
Nameless souls whose memory in our hearts will always be close.
Valiant Villa de Revilla patriots; ‘ever may you rest in sweet repose.
Chapter 17
The Unlikely Tejano
José Bernardo returned from his successful mission to meet Father Miguel Hidalgo. He was both satisfied with the result, and challenged.
When he departed Revilla, he only expected to introduce himself and inform the patriot priest that friends in Las Villas del Norte supported the revolution. Not only had the padre accepted his unconditional allegiance, the thirty-eight year old Revillense had received an officer’s commission in the new rebel army of Mexico.
Additionally, he was made commander in charge of the ejercito del norte (Army of the North), a military force he was to organize himself and which would be largely based in Mexico’s farthest eastern province of Texas. Thus, he and Rayo had lots to do.
Indeed, Mexico’s eastern provinces, including Texas, were individual volcanoes spewing not lava, but individualism. It was a most fitting reaction. This is where Spanish-Mexican pioneers settled to make a new start, raise families, build their homes, and establish ranching communities. They were a rare breed of men and women; a hearty stock, strong of both mind and body. They valued their strong sense of faith, self-reliance, and independence. As they lived and died for generations, they faced a great many challenges, using ingenuity and resolve to survive.
However, all was not well. Spain ruled its American possessions with oppressive and unjust laws. Other colonial states in the new world were also enduring the same inequality from their European mother countries. Creoles felt left out of the colonial structure.
Their numbers stretched from Texas to all the other New Spain provinces. In response for direction to rid America of European colonial rule, several great American-born leaders answered the call to duty during those turbulent times of the late 1700s and early 1800s. Among these were George Washington, Simón Bolivar, and José Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara Uribe. While most people may have heard of the first two, few are familiar with Don Bernardo.
Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara and his colleagues were the products of a unique Las Villas del Norte “live and let live” frontline mindset. Each man was expected to follow a dual-track of responsibilities - sustaining the family and military duties. In times of crisis along the lower Rio Grande, there were no soldiers to rely on. If they didn’t defend themselves, no one was going to do it for them. By their very independence nature, the Villas functioned as a vanguard position with its lightning-strike force of citizen soldiers (Compañía Volante).
As a young man, José Bernardo loved to help his father run the large family rancho. He was an excellent rancher and horseman. So, he took over the entire operation when his father died. He was happy there, living comfortably as a rancher and merchant in his hacienda in Revilla. On his own, but with the blessings of his parents, he decided to get involved in bringing social change in Mexico.
He possessed a rare passion for human rights, and was concerned about the social injustice he saw all around him. His passion for equality was shared by his brothers José Antonio and Enrique who also risked their lives in the name of freedom. It was in this restless period that Don Bernardo volunteered to help Father Miguel Hidalgo in his struggle to gain Mexico’s independence from Spain.
This was to be the first of many occasions where he sacrificed his own family life and security for his unbending dedication to the ideals of freedom for all citizens. It should be noted that Texas was part of Mexico at this time.
It wasn’t long before the chasm between New Spain aristocrats (peninsulares) and the rest of Mexico’s population (creoles, mestizos, peasants, and slaves) widened. Inequality was the rule, not the exception. Soon, as far as the lower social classes were concerned, unjust Spanish colonial policies were as problematic as French threats.
The point of no return came on September 16, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo issued his famous “Grito” taking freedom to the next level of equality for all, especially Mexico’s poor. As such, Father Hidalgo’s Grito (call) of “Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe! Viva la Independencia! Viva México!” was as inspiring a call to arms in Nuevo Santander and in Texas as it was in the rest of Mexico.
The anticipated liberation movement triggered a short-lived Texas independence movement in San Antonio. Retired Captain Juan Bautista de las Casas, another Nuevo Santander citizen, commandeered Presidio San Antonio de Béxar in the regional capital and arrested the Spanish governor. The event was premature and lasted just over one month. His co-conspirators soon lost nerve and betrayed Captain de las Casas. He was arrested and thrown in prison. A few months later, he was tried and executed by the Spanish authorities.
On the other hand, Don Bernardo was carefully planting the seeds for long-term change. Appointed a Lt Colonel in the Republican Army, his soldier role gave him some clout in trying to convince his extended family and friends to join the revolt. Those who couldn’t were asked to donate funds for the purchase of military equipment and weapons.
Sadly, Father Hidalgo and his senior staff experienced nearly the same fate as de las Casas.
Sadder still was the fact that since the rebel army was composed primarily of peasants, military bearing was a shortcoming. No sooner had the “Grito” been issues that the awesome army fell into disarray. Seizing control from the military-trained General Allende, Father Hidalgo now led the movement, without having the slightest inkling to lead nearly 100,000 troops.
Initially, the revolt was to be a deliberate move by creoles trying to do away with what they and the well-intentioned padre referred to as “bad government”. Thus, the upheaval was only meant to slightly readjust the economic and political structure trajectory of the Viceroy’s New Spain policies. Suddenly, the march was now a massive movement of angry, undisciplined peasants overpowering and taking their revenge on anyone who looked like Español citizens.
oOo
The chivalrous saga that Rayo had dreamed of was a nightmare. Never in his dreams did he accept that his brethren would mistake their quest for justice for wanton destruction and brutalizing the upper class, regardless of origin. It was a fellow Revilla creole resident that had warned him this would happen. Upon hearing the latest incoming reports of the devastation that Hidalgo’s army was leaving behind, Rayo regrettably agreed that the revolution was its own worst enemy. However, he was powerless to do anything about it.
Basing their actions on generations of neglect and exclusion from mainstream society, the peasants’ “death to gachupines” motivation made no distinction between peninsular or creole. Influential creole families anticipated positive change. Enthusiastically, they had initially expressed their support for the revolution. Now, since entire creole families were murdered and their homes looted and burned, creole support was no longer assured.
oOo
Soon after it began, exuberance made way for disappointment. The revolt took a serious jolt after losing the major combat encounter of the Batalla del Puente de Calderón to the Spanish Army on January 17, 1811. The smaller, but better-trained Spanish Army quickly assumed control and loyalty of many creole families who originally had supported the revolution. The revolution’s leaders were now on the run.
As de las Casas, Father Hidalgo and his senior staff officers were equally betrayed and captured, March 1811, as they made their way to the U.S. looking for refuge After a hastily arranged trial, padre Miguel Hidalgo and his senior officers were executed in Chihuahua, Chihuahua for treason, July 1811.
oOo
The National revolution was in disarray. There was nothing José Bernardo could do about that. However, the movement was still alive in innumerable pockets of resistance in most of the provinces. The Army of the North would arise.
The revolution nearly at a standstill, Lt Colonel Gutierrez de Lara felt an obligation to complete an arduous trip to Washington, D.C. previously assigned to him. Given official letters of introduction and seeking help for the anticipated Mexican republic, he in essence became Mexico’s first ambassador to the
U.S. Accompanied by a small group of soldiers he had recruited in Revilla, he started his trip on El Camino Real toward Louisiana.
He narrowly escaped death when he was attacked in an ambush by Spanish royalist forces that killed three of his soldiers. In time, he stopped in New Orleans where he left his wounded soldiers to recuperate and continued his journey on horseback.
A skilled outdoorsman and marksman he was able to defend himself against assassins sent by Spain to prevent him from reaching his goal. Facing harsh weather conditions in Tennessee, he was forced to sell his horse. He finally arrived in Washington, D.C. by stagecoach; the whole trip from the Rio Grande taking nearly half-a-year.
His arrival at the capital on December 11, 1812 caused lots of excitement. He was the first vaquero (cowboy) to set foot in Washington D.C. and the White House. While the English-speaking citizens of the capital had heard about the unique horsemen of the wilds of Texas, no one had ever seen one in person. He was the first. Also, when the people tried to say “vaquero”, it sounded like “buckaroo”; and that’s how that funny word was invented.
He was well-received by government dignitaries, including President James Madison, Secretary of State James Monroe, among others. Everyone wanted to meet the stranger from faraway New Spain. However, if U.S. leaders thought that they could manipulate their Spanish-speaking visitor, they were badly mistaken. He may have been a 38-year old vaquero, untrained as a diplomat, but he knew how to fight, and fight he did.
Ever since the U.S. had purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, U.S. officials had a poor sense of distance in America (as did most Europeans). They had wrongly assumed that Louisiana’s southwestern border went all the way to the Rio Grande. Thus, when Madison and Monroe implied that they would help Gutiérrez de Lara with the condition that he agree that Texas was part of Louisiana, Don Bernardo exploded. Abruptly, the Texas hero left the meeting without waiting for the interpreter to translate the end of President Madison’s sentence, who was still talking.
Friendly Betrayal Page 11